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Post by Jean & Mimi on Dec 31, 2013 7:49:43 GMT -7
Stevie could not ask for better care, she is so blessed to have you. So hard not to give in to the despair, but she is doing so well because she knows you are helping her.
Long doses of the meds are hard, oh so hard (OMG do I get it!). But, the longer dose is probably just what she needs to make that stubborn disk go back into place.
(((HUGS))) one mom to another!
Jean
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 31, 2013 9:22:18 GMT -7
Hoping to hear the extended Pred regimen will help get the painful swelling down. Did they then take her off of Tramadol, try a different pain med?
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Dec 31, 2013 9:52:31 GMT -7
Continued prayers for both you and Stevie, Maureen. Your knowledge and love will help Stevie through this. We always wish we could do more for our loved ones but know that you are doing all that you can and that it's the very best care that she could have. Hugs to you both.
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StevieLuv
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Post by StevieLuv on Jan 2, 2014 15:10:30 GMT -7
Happy New Year! Stevie had her Vet appointment today for blood work and a general recheck. She is to stay on 5mg prednisone once day for 7 more days, then start an extended every other day for 3 weeks. Sulcralfate is given one hour prior. She appears to be pain free at this point, with complete bladder and bowel control. She never lost the ability to walk this time so we haven't had to use the sling to hold her up - has made things much easier. She has acupuncture and laser scheduled for Monday. Her spirits are great and that helps me to stay positive too. Thank you for all of the kind words and encouragement - both were really appreciated and needed.
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Jan 2, 2014 17:17:11 GMT -7
Yay, Stevie's pain free! So glad you're both doing better. Hugs to you both.
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Post by Pauliana on Jan 2, 2014 21:23:46 GMT -7
I am so glad for Stevie and for you, Maureen.. So glad she isn't in pain now.. Now for rest and recovering..
Sending continued prayers and healing thoughts..
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Jan 5, 2014 9:48:35 GMT -7
This is amazing news!!! I'm sure it makes both of you feel better. Here's to an easy recovery and taper
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Jan 7, 2014 7:39:07 GMT -7
Just wanted to check in to see how you and Stevie are doing?
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Post by Sherry Layman on Jan 7, 2014 8:47:08 GMT -7
I think I've asked you this before toward the beginning but I can't remember and I want to be sure you know...when doing acupuncture many practitioners (human and animal) use needles on the head/ears as they are relaxation points. However, they are also strong stimulus points for seizures and should be avoided in any patient with a history of seizure. When Stevie has her acupuncture be sure they don't use needles on the head or ears.
Hoping things are going well.
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Post by Pam & Dobby on Jan 9, 2014 12:43:14 GMT -7
Maureen, just happened to be checking in for the first time in weeks. Just caught up on Stevie's thread. So sorry you have been going through all of this with both IVDD and seizures! Hope bloodwork showed meds in good ranges and no liver or other issues. Stevie could not be in better hands! Hugs and best wishes, Pam & Dobby (also epi)
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StevieLuv
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Post by StevieLuv on Jan 26, 2014 0:02:30 GMT -7
Coming up on 7 weeks of crate rest this Monday. She will finish her prednisone taper of one 5mg tablet every other day on Wednesday. We did 6 weeks of prednisone all together. We are still battling for control of Stevie's seizures. Thank you for the prayers and encouragement - it has meant so much to feel like I am not fighting this battle alone.
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Marjorie
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Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
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Post by Marjorie on Jan 26, 2014 13:10:13 GMT -7
Dear Maureen, I can't tell you how glad I am to see an update from you. You and Stevie have both been on my mind. I'm so glad that she's getting off the Prednisone. My prayers will continue that her seizures will be under control soon. Hang in there, know that we're thinking of you always and are here for you.
Blessings to you both.
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Sabrina
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My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
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Post by Sabrina on Jan 26, 2014 21:19:16 GMT -7
Maureen! ))Hugs!(( I am praying for you and Stevie and all that you have to go through. ))Hugs!((
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Jan 27, 2014 9:26:45 GMT -7
Maureen I haven't stopped thinking about you and Stevie. Glad her progress for IVDD is good. Sending prayers your way that you find the right meds to help with her seizures. ((HUGS))
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Post by Nancy & Polly on Jan 27, 2014 11:38:07 GMT -7
I've been MIA for weeks, due to computer problems, and just saw this. I'm so sorry you're having another go-around, but glad to see that Stevie is improving. (((Hugs to both of you)))
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Post by Pauliana on Jan 27, 2014 19:48:43 GMT -7
Maureen,
So glad to see you and Stevie here.. Glad she has done so well during the taper and prayers are ongoing for the control of her seizures..
Sending many hugs and healing wishes..
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StevieLuv
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Post by StevieLuv on Feb 3, 2014 17:14:50 GMT -7
FREEDOM!!!!!!!! She's done it again, my brave sweet girl. The seizures are still a problem and her meds have been adjusted yet again. Hard to tell if her slight ataxia is a leftover of IVDD or her body adjusting to her meds. Have to watch her to try to keep her from reinjuring her self. Stevie girl is a 3 time graduate of conservative care.
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Marjorie
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Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
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Post by Marjorie on Feb 3, 2014 17:58:58 GMT -7
Hurray, hurray, hurray for Stevie!!! And hurray for you, too, Maureen! I'm sure each time you go through this it seems much longer and harder. Far too much for your little one to have to deal with. But she's a real trooper. Congratulations! Continued prayers that the seizures will soon be under control.
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Sabrina
Helpful Member
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Post by Sabrina on Feb 3, 2014 19:53:32 GMT -7
Way to go, Maureen and Stevie!!!!!!!! I hope that you find a good level of the seizure med(s) soon, you both deserve a break from all this!
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Post by Pauliana on Feb 3, 2014 20:03:55 GMT -7
Sending many blessings and hugs to Maureen and Stevie on their 3rd crate rest graduation! Hope the change in seizure meds does the trick this time.. Love prevails once again.
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Feb 4, 2014 7:16:56 GMT -7
Yay!!! So happy for you. I know these 8 weeks must have seemed like forever. Hoping the new meds for her epilepsy are helping. Give her tons of snuggles and love and enjoy no more crate
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StevieLuv
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Post by StevieLuv on May 13, 2014 6:19:16 GMT -7
Our beloved girl has crossed the Bridge. She had a very bad seizure on Sunday morning at about 1:30 am. The kind that has caused her IVDD to flare up. Only this time it was so much worse. As the day progressed so did her paralysis, slowly working it's way up her body and the pain became so much worse. Our beloved Dr. Britt Mills came to our home Sunday evening and helped guide Stevie over the Bridge, while we were able to hold her close to say our goodbyes. Stevie's life was one of courage, acceptance and love. Her message to all of you fighting this disease is "Never give up, Life is about Love and trying and helping each other". She was the epitome of love and bravery. We miss her so much...
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Marjorie
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Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
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Post by Marjorie on May 13, 2014 7:40:55 GMT -7
I'm so terribly sorry for your loss, Maureen. Yes, Stevie was an inspiration and an example to us all of how to deal with adversity. She was such a brave little dog. My heart breaks for you. Stevie was loved so much and I know she will be always be missed. My prayers are with you.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,611
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Post by PaulaM on May 13, 2014 7:50:34 GMT -7
Maureen, my heart is so heavy to hear of Stevie’s passing. Your care and devotion plus Stevie’s fighting spirit with each disc episode is inspiration we will never forget. No doubt that Stevie loved her beloved family and knew love from you. We know that IVDD is not a fatal disease. It can happen in some cases, though, that another disease will take hold of a damaged spinal cord. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Myelomalacia.pdf Your quick identifying the signs and your vet’s helping Stevie to the Rainbow Bridge to avoid this progressive dying of the spinal cord before it reached paralyzing the lungs was true love and compassion. All of our furry loved ones stay on this earth far to short of time. May Stevie soon help you with your deep grief to remember the fond times together, begin to laugh again at all her funny little ways. My sympathies and condolence as you move through this very sad time. Very warmest of ((hugs)) to you.
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Post by Linda Stowe on May 13, 2014 9:30:50 GMT -7
I'm so terribly sorry to hear this, Maureen. My heart is very saddened by your unexpected loss. My sincerest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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Post by Shari&BaxterBoo on May 13, 2014 14:48:51 GMT -7
I am so sorry for you loss
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Post by Pauliana on May 13, 2014 19:42:00 GMT -7
Maureen,
Sending you sympathy and understanding during such a sad time.. Stevie will be missed by his family here as well. He fought a brave fight and he left knowing he was loved so very much!
Big Hugs and prayers for your comfort.
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Sabrina
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Post by Sabrina on May 15, 2014 15:53:29 GMT -7
)))Hugs((( Maureen, Stevie had such wonderful friend in you. )))Hugs(((
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Post by Jean & Mimi on May 19, 2014 6:22:18 GMT -7
Maureen, my heart is aching for you right now. I am so so sorry for your loss. Stevie was such a strong fighter, and she had the best mom in the world. You gave her the very best care and everything a dog could have asked for in life.
I know she is now waiting for you, and looking for you. She is running free, her soft hair gently blowing in the wind, and is free of pain and seizures. You are in my prayers.
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Jun 11, 2014 7:06:23 GMT -7
Maureen I am so sorry for your loss. You both fought so hard against this disease and did everything you could. Both you and Stevie encourage some many others with sharing your own story and giving support. I still remember sitting in my room crying over Fred when you posted a pic of Stevie's face smudged against the crate. You both made me giggle during that time and were someone to look up too. Remember that you were an awesome mom that fought till the end! Stevie is probably smushing her face against that rainbow watching you with no pain. Saying lots of prayers for you and big hugs!
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